After I found out I was pregnant with our first, I had a different idea for what I wanted my babymoon to look like. I knew becoming a mother would require some lifestyle sacrifices, and that might include fewer solo trips, at least in the beginning. So, during my second trimester, I decided to take a solo babymoon to Grindelwald in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland, which is known for its stunning natural beauty, scenic alpine hikes, and endless outdoor activities.
I love exploring new destinations with my husband, but traveling isn’t a high priority for him. And as a highly independent only child who values alone time — something I know I won’t be getting much of postpartum — it made more sense for me to take a trip by myself. I opted for a solo honeymoon, so I’m no stranger to navigating, and enjoying, an unfamiliar place by myself. Plus, I knew having no companion to entertain me would force me to turn inward, reflect, and emotionally prepare for the next chapter.
My solo babymoon turned out to be even more rewarding than I could have imagined — and I can’t wait to tell my future child about it.
I reveled in the peace and quiet
There’s no denying a household with kids is just — well — noisier. So I made it a point to really soak in the peace and quiet in the charming, peaceful village of Grindelwald. All I could hear were the occasional clangs of cowbells and the cheerful chirping of birds.
While dining with no conversation partner, I was able to tune into all of my senses — the pungent smell of fondue, and the sight of the delicate edelweiss in the pasture outside my window. Mindfulness is a quality I hope to cultivate more and more as a mother, and this felt like a great start.
My confidence blossomed
My journey from the airport in Zurich to the hotel in Grindelwald required taking a train with multiple transfers. When traveling with my husband, I often rely on him to figure out where we’re going and how to get there since navigation is definitely not my strength.
Still, I managed to figure it out all on my own, which made me feel capable and self-sufficient. As I prepare to have my first child, I’ll take all the confidence boosts I can get.
I got out of my comfort zone
All my parent friends seem to have different versions of the same advice: be ready for anything. Since I tend to struggle with unknowns and crave predictability, I made it a point to step out of my comfort zone on the trip in an attempt to become more flexible and open-minded.
To that end, I challenged myself to strike up conversations with strangers, try new foods (like rösti, a crispy shredded potato cake), and wander around town with no map or GPS to guide me.
I overcame a lifelong fear
Grindelwald was the perfect place to face my lifelong fear of heights. On my first day, I rode the Eiger Express — a high-speed cable car — followed by a train to the highest railway station in all of Europe at 11,332 feet above sea level. That night, I took the steep funicular ride 2,500 feet up to Harder Kulm in Interlaken. And on my third day, I took a stroll along the First Cliff Walk — a narrow, cliff-hugging walkway 148 feet off the ground.
My knees may have trembled at times, but safely accomplishing these feats paid off. On my final day, I strutted with surprising ease down the path at the 984-foot Glacier Gorge. I was even able to stand against the railing and stare down into the canyon below while snapping photos.
I took time for self-care
From nausea to unexpected mood swings, pregnancy has tested me physically and emotionally. So, I was definitely in desperate need of some self-care, which for me, typically entails spending time in nature with animals and pampering myself at a spa. Fortunately, I was able to do both on my solo babymoon.
Grindelwald has no shortage of cows, goats, donkeys, and llamas, with whom I made fast friends while strolling around the village. Additionally, at Hotel Aspen’s highly rated wellness center, I enjoyed a massage for my aching feet and lower back and a facial to address all the hormone-related skin issues.
I put my physical endurance to the test
I know childbirth will be one of the most physically taxing things I’ve ever done. So, I used my solo babymoon as an opportunity to remind myself of my strength and determination.
For example, I hiked from First to Bachalpsee Lake, a journey just under four miles that took two hours to complete, with plenty of uphill climbs. I also managed to do the Jungfrau Eiger walk, which was still coated in snow, making for a slippery trek downhill. These accomplishments were a nice reminder of what my body can do.
I had time to focus on some personal passions
At the start of the year, I set a goal to finish writing my screenplay before summer’s end, partly because I know I won’t have much free time postpartum.
I was delighted to find a private deck off my hotel room with a breathtaking view of the mountains, and I ended up working on my script out there daily, either with a cappuccino in the morning or Swiss chocolate after dinner.
I also packed a journal for my future son, in which I wrote to him all about all the adventures we went on together. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll inspire him to embark on his own solo travels one day.
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